Page 17 of What Comes Between Cousins
D ARCY COULD HARDLY believe his ears. There was only one person in all of England who could speak in such a loud volume with such force, expecting to be obeyed by all within range of her strident proclamations. What he could not quite determine was why she was in Hertfordshire and how she had come to be here at this late hour.
There was no time to be lost, however, lest she stain the family name irreparably. The door through which she had entered was not far from where Darcy stood, and he approached at a quick walk, intending to quell her demands as soon as may be. In the corner of his eye, Darcy noted the Fitzwilliam was moving in her direction as quickly as was Darcy himself.
“Where are they?” demanded she again. “And where are the Jezebels determined to make them forget all they owe to the family? I insist on being satisfied this very instant!”
When Darcy broke clear of the crowd which had gathered to watch the spectacle, he noted that Mrs. Hurst was attempting to placate Lady Catherine and not having much success. While Mrs. Hurst’s comments were soft enough that Darcy could not overhear them, of course, that was not the case with her ladyship.
“No, I will not wait. I will see Darcy and Chesterfield this instant! Do you not know who I am?”
“Lady Catherine,” said Darcy, shifting her attention to him and away from his friend’s sister. “What a surprise this is. How came you to be here, this late at night?”
“I have come to bring you to your senses!” came the lady’s haughty reply. “As for the time, we wasted much of it attempting to discover the location of this insignificant house and then more of it calling at that wretched estate of those Jezebels who are determined to ruin you.”
Darcy paled. Had Lady Catherine gone to Longbourn first? He could only be thankful the family had been at Netherfield rather than been forced to deal with Lady Catherine’s ill humors and demands. He would no doubt be forced to apologize to Mr. Bennet on her ladyship’s behalf for her treatment of his servants.
“Your ladyship!” exclaimed Mr. Collins as he approached at a quick trot. The silly man almost prostrated himself at her feet, so low was his genuflection. “I had not thought I would see you here tonight. You are, of course, very welcome here. We are, indeed, all privileged to be in your majestic presence. Shall I introduce you to the master of the house?”
“I have no desire to be known to him,” said Lady Catherine with a sniff. “I will be leaving with my nephews in tow immediately, so there is no need.”
A shared glance with his cousin revealed them to be thinking the same thing: it was imperative to remove Lady Catherine from the room before she offended everyone within. As such, they both stepped forward at the same time.
“Come, Lady Catherine,” said Darcy, “let us take this conversation to another room, so we may speak privately.”
“I shall not go,” protested their irascible aunt when the cousins grasped her arms and began to lead her from the room. “You both will leave with me at once. I shall accept no other outcome!”
“You will come along with us both at once,” snarled Fitzwilliam softly, causing her to look at him with surprise. “If you do not, I will personally see that you are thrown from this house.” When Lady Catherine’s eyes hardened, Fitzwilliam tugged at her arm again, forcing her to begin walking, with Darcy on her other side. “For heaven’s sake, Lady Catherine, are you determined to offend everyone in attendance tonight?”
Lady Catherine sniffed with disdain. “There is not a single person here whom it would give me an instant’s hesitation should I offend them.”
“Perhaps not,” said Darcy. “But our host is a good man, one whom I have counted as a friend for many years. I will not allow you to insult him.”
Once again Lady Catherine reacted with a disdainful sneer. “It would be better if you would. Staying at the house of a tradesman? How can either of you countenance such a thing? It is beyond all decency!”
“No, Lady Catherine,” growled Fitzwilliam. “ You entering an event to which you were not invited, screeching at the top of your lungs with insulting remarks on your lips is what is beyond the pale. Now, be silent until we have reached the library!”
It was a wonder, but Lady Catherine did fall silent, though her glare at Fitzwilliam did not lessen a jot. Fitzwilliam, a large and imposing man, had often succeeded in quelling her excesses where Darcy had failed. She also knew that Fitzwilliam was an implacable enemy, which surely helped the matter. Furthermore, she seemed to show more deference to him since his elevation to the peerage on his brother’s death.
Soon, they had reached Bingley’s library, and there they entered in, Fitzwilliam escorting Lady Catherine while Darcy held back and made certain the door was closed so their discussion would not be overheard. Then, all pretense of restraint was done away with. Lady Catherine stepped away from Fitzwilliam and pulled her arm from his grasp, whirling, and facing him with implacable determination in her eyes.
“I will brook no opposition from either of you. I expect you both to leave this room at once, to instruct your valets to pack your belongings, and for you to attend me in my carriage within the next thirty minutes, so we may return to London. Staying with this Mr. Bingley has clearly addled you both. I shall not stand by and witness the fall our noble house to the wiles of such Jezebels as my parson reports his cousins to be. Furthermore, I shall demand Mr. Collins return to Kent where I may find him a proper wife since his cousin’s daughters are so clearly unsuitable.”
“I find it fascinating that you can declare them such, Aunt,” said Fitzwilliam, “when you have not even met them.”
“I do not need to meet them,” snapped Lady Catherine. “I am aware of girls of their kind. There are many grasping, artful females in the kingdom, and I know of the stratagems they will employ to entrap wealthy young men. I am only surprised you have fallen for such base arts and allurements. I had thought better of you both!”
“Then I shall correct you, Lady Catherine,” replied Fitzwilliam. Darcy wished to speak, but he was so angry by now that he could not trust himself to say anything. “There is no one objectionable here. These artful women of whom you speak are daughters of a respectable gentleman. In my opinion, your parson is a dolt, who is only upset that the woman to whom he wishes to attach himself sees him for the fool he is and wishes to have nothing to do with him.”
“Collins is my hand-picked parson! I trust his judgment implicitly.”
“More is the pity for you, Lady Catherine,” replied Fitzwilliam, a whole host of sardonic undertones in his voice. “I doubt the man would be able to lace his shoes if he did not have you to instruct him on the best way to do so.”
“That is enough of Mr. Collins! You will now oblige me by informing your valets of our immediate departure.”
“Fitzwilliam may do what he wishes, Lady Catherine,” replied Darcy. “But I will not go anywhere.”
“Darcy!” screeched the lady. “You will obey me!”
“I will not!” Darcy grasped the tatters of his composure like a man holding onto a cliff face. “I am not beholden to you. I will do as I please. Bingley is a friend of longstanding, and I will not insult him.”
“Heavens, Darcy, how can you tolerate the friendship of such a base lout? Have you no care for your position in society, the credit and honor of your family?”
“I have every care in it, Lady Catherine,” replied Darcy. “As I ever have. But I do not see people as the sum of their lineage or the enormity of their holdings. Bingley is a good friend, one who is loyal, honest, and true, and the Bennets, whom you have decried tonight on the word of your idiotic parson, are good people, as are the others of this neighborhood. I shall not submit to such unreasonable demands as yours.”
“Nor shall I,” added Fitzwilliam. “You have wasted your time, Lady Catherine.”
The lady’s look could have broken through granite, so angry was she. Darcy, however, decided that it was time to once and for all end the delusion he knew was the reason for her insupportable actions.
“Let us be blunt, Lady Catherine,” said he, pulling her gaze back to him. “We all understand why you have come here tonight. Perhaps you do not wish Fitzwilliam to be entangled with those you deem of a lower level, but the true reason is that you are afraid of losing me as a potential groom for your daughter.”
“I have no fear of any such thing,” said Lady Catherine, holding her head high. “Though you have been stubborn about it, I know in the end you will do your duty and marry Anne as your mother intended.”
“In fact, I doubt my mother ever intended that I marry Anne.” Lady Catherine raised her voice to reply, but Darcy was quicker. “You may have spoken of it, but since my mother did not say anything to me, I know of no such thing. Regardless, I have informed you before that I will not marry Anne. Whether my mother wished for it is immaterial. I do not wish for it. I will not relent.”
“Have these ladies so thoroughly infested your senses that you would neglect your duty?” demanded Lady Catherine aghast.
“As I have stated, I do not consider it to be my duty,” replied Darcy. “My mother made no mention to me of any desire that I marry Anne, and my father openly decried the very thought. As I am my own man and may make my own decisions, there is nothing you can do. Unless you can produce a contract which compels me to make your daughter my wife, there is nothing more for us to say.”
“Before you scream any longer,” interjected Fitzwilliam when Lady Catherine appeared about to do just that, “you should know that my father has no interest in attempting to force Darcy in this matter. And should you have any notions concerning me , you should know that I am also my own man, as well as a future earl. I am not about to listen to your threats or your harangues demanding I oblige you. I believe it is time for you to leave.”
“I have never been so insulted in all my life!” cried Lady Catherine. “Have you both no decency, no sense of the credit of our family names, all of which would be dragged through the dust should you go through with an alliance with this family? Heaven and earth, of what are you thinking?”
“Of nothing more than my own happiness,” replied Darcy. He wished for this conversation to be finished, so he may be about settling ruffled feathers and apologizing for Lady Catherine’s affronts. “No one will say anything, even should I choose to tie myself to one of the Bennet sisters, though I have not yet made any such decision. Perhaps you should advise your parson to avoid reading novels and concentrate on the Holy Book, for he is seeing plots where none exist.”
“You will both oblige me!” It was one last desperate attempt, and both cousins knew it.
“Come, Lady Catherine,” said Fitzwilliam. “It is time for you to depart. I am certain you will be able to find a good inn nearby to stay, for I do not think it would be wise for you to return to London tonight.”
“We will not attempt to impose in Bingley,” added Darcy. “I am certain you have offended him too much for that.”
“This is not over,” hissed Lady Catherine. “I will know what is to be done.”
“You may try,” replied Darcy, as he opened the door in time for Fitzwilliam to usher their aunt through it. “But I will not be moved. Further discussion on this matter is pointless.”
Lady Catherine did not respond. She removed her arm from Fitzwilliam’s grasp and walked with her head held high. Darcy doubted she would go away quietly, but there was nothing she could do. He would not concern himself with her machinations.
––––––––
“W ELL, LITTLE ELIZA , I suppose you are not to have your choice of wealthy gentlemen after all. His lordship’s relation, unless I miss my guess, has come to save them both from you. I fear you will be required to strive against her for your comfortable situation.”
Elizabeth, who had been watching the scene until the men left with the woman in tow, turned back to her partner and fixed him with a withering glare. Mr. Lucas was not cowed—in fact, he seemed rather amused. Elizabeth only shook her head and turned her head away. It was surprising, but he did not essay to tease her any further, for which Elizabeth was grateful.
The dance had started again with the removal of the harridan, but the line was ragged, and most were concentrating on whispering amongst themselves of the spectacle they had just witnessed. It was fortunate, in Elizabeth’s estimation, that the dance was soon complete, for she could not wait to escape from her partner and did so at the earliest opportunity, not even allowing him to escort her to the side of the room. What was not so fortunate was the abundance of objectionable men in attendance that evening.
“Cousin Elizabeth,” said Mr. Collins as he approached her almost as soon as she had left Mr. Lucas on the dance floor. “I am certain you must have noticed that my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has come to Netherfield.”
“Indeed, Mr. Collins,” said Elizabeth. “I doubt her coming went unnoticed by anyone within five miles.”
Behind Mr. Collins and to his left, Mr. Bennet snorted in laughter from where he was standing. Mr. Collins, however, preened as if she had just flattered his patroness to the heavens.
“Yes, she does possess the magnificent presence, the nobility to carry herself effortlessly and stun the room with the force of her character. I dare say there is not another person in all England like her.”
By this time Mr. Bennet was shaking with suppressed mirth, and Elizabeth wondered if he might do himself harm if he did not let it out. For herself, she had had about enough of this man for an entire lifetime. “I believe, Mr. Collins,” said she, “that there can be no other like Lady Catherine. For that, we may all be grateful.”
Though Mr. Collins continued to preen, he seemed not to know what to make of her second sentence. In the end, he seemed to decide it was not important.
“Now that her ladyship is here, I am certain all will be set to rights. Surely you must now see that your endeavors have no chance of success.”
“Mr. Collins,” said Elizabeth, her tone such that the man visibly forced himself not to take a step back. “I am certain I have no notion of what you speak. Mr. Darcy and Lord Chesterfield are their own men and may do what they please, regardless of the edicts of an elderly relation. As for your inferences regarding me , I may only state that I have no intention of being ruled by your patroness, any more than either of the two gentlemen. Furthermore, I am not attempting anything with regard to either man. Once again, you have assumed where you should not.
“Now, if you will excuse me.”
Then Elizabeth brushed past the stunned parson and stalked away from him. What perverse misfortune had resulted in Mr. Collins being related to them! Elizabeth wished for nothing more than the stupid man to retreat to Kent and never darken their doorstep again.
As she walked toward the refreshment table, Elizabeth happened to notice a young woman seated on a chair just inside the door through which Lady Catherine had entered the ballroom. She was small and slight, pale of complexion, her head drooping with weariness. She was also dressed in a similar fashion to that of Lady Catherine, which led Elizabeth to believe that this woman was her daughter. Louisa Hurst stood some distance away, her manner all affront, and while Elizabeth could well understand why, she also knew that it would be considered rude not to ask after the newcomer’s comfort. Thus, she endeavored to do it herself.
“Hello, Miss?” asked she as she approached and sat in the chair next to her. “Are you quite well?”
The woman was possessed of keen blue eyes, belying her sickly appearance, and she looked up at Elizabeth, though seeming to see her but little. “I am only quite tired. It has been a long journey.”
“Might I obtain some punch for you?” offered Elizabeth. “Perhaps a little refreshment would help?”
“Thank you,” replied the young woman. “That would be heavenly.”
The strains for the supper set began as Elizabeth rose and made her way to the refreshment table. She was not yet engaged for the supper set and moved in such a way as to inform the gentlemen in the room that she did not intend to dance it. It must have worked, for no one approached her, and she soon returned, the requested cup of punch in one hand, which the young lady accepted with seeming gratitude.
“This seems like a lively little party,” observed the young lady as she sipped from her cup.
“I believe it is,” replied Elizabeth. “Netherfield is the principal estate in the neighborhood, and we are all grateful for the presence of the family here. It has sat unoccupied for far too long.”
That penetrating gaze was once again fixed on Elizabeth. “I understand the family who lives here are descended from trade. Would you not find their presence objectionable? Or does your family have less than impressive roots also?”
Yes, that this was Lady Catherine’s daughter, Elizabeth was certain, even though she had never met the lady nor had any experience with her other than listening to her from across the room. Miss de Bourgh had been tutored at her mother’s knee—of that there was no doubt.
“No, I am a gentleman’s daughter,” replied Elizabeth. “My family has owned our land for centuries now. But regarding Mr. Bingley, I must say that I attempt to judge others based on their merit. Mr. Bingley may be descended from tradesmen, but he carries himself as a gentleman both in manners and demeanor.”
Miss de Bourgh seemed to consider that for a time, and then she nodded, though it was almost imperceptible. “In such a society as this, I suppose he must be acceptable. My mother informs me that it must be different in London, especially amongst those of the first circles. They are much more discriminating than small, local societies.”
“I must assume you are correct,” said Elizabeth. She wondered at the woman’s words. Her mother had informed her? Had Miss de Bourgh not any experience among higher society herself? Surely Lady Catherine, the daughter of an earl, would not have neglected to display her daughter for the peacocks of the first circles.
When Miss de Bourgh finished her cup of punch, Elizabeth felt it incumbent upon her to inquire after her comfort. “Shall I obtain another cup for you? Or perhaps a little sustenance would be welcome? I believe we are to go to dinner after these sets, but there are refreshments aplenty laid out on the table.”
“I am well, I thank you,” said Miss de Bourgh. Then she turned a querying eye on Elizabeth. “I believe we have not been introduced, Miss, an oversight we should correct, though there are no mutual acquaintances to perform the task. Might I ask you to introduce yourself to me?”
“Of course,” replied Elizabeth. “And you have my apologies. I should have realized it myself. I am Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, which is quite near to Netherfield. I am the daughter of Mr. Henry Bennet, and the second of five sisters.”
Though curious as to how she would be received, not knowing what Mr. Collins had told his patroness to induce her to come all this way, Elizabeth was not surprised when Miss de Bourgh’s countenance hardened. She glared at Elizabeth, fire in her eyes, her jaw chiseled from granite.
“So it is you who have brought us hither,” said Miss de Bourgh. The words were spoken softly, and while they were not without venom, they were not so forceful as Elizabeth might have expected. “You and your youngest sister, unless I remember incorrectly.”
“I know not what you have heard,” replied Elizabeth, “but I had nothing to do with your journey here.”
“I doubt that. Mother has told me of young women of your ilk.”
“Having never met your mother, I am certain she knows nothing of me. Please allow me to say that you should not listen to anything your mother’s parson says. He sees much where nothing exists, and his perception of matters is not reliable. He is not the most intelligent specimen.”
Miss de Bourgh was taken aback for a moment, likely because Elizabeth’s statements of Mr. Collins had rung true, regardless of whatever her mother said concerning the man. But she soon shook it off and fixed her implacable stare on Elizabeth. It would have been impressive coming from Lord Chesterfield. From a mousy, thin waif of a woman such as Miss de Bourgh, it was nothing more than comical.
“You will never have my cousin. Darcy is to be my husband, and even if he was not, you are not of his sphere. Young ladies who reach above their sphere to grasp hold of prominent men are the most despicable creatures in existence. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
A hundred retorts sprang into Elizabeth’s mind at that moment, but she pushed them away. There was no cause to anger this woman further and create another scene. Therefore, Elizabeth endeavored to remove herself from an objectionable conversation.
“If Mr. Darcy is to marry you, then I wish you both joy. I hope the rest of your stay is comfortable.”
With that, Elizabeth rose to depart. But she was forestalled by the return of the two gentlemen and their aunt. They walked on either side of her, watching her through wary eyes, clearly expecting her to make some other scene. As for herself, Lady Catherine walked with her head held high, her nose even further in the air than Miss Bingley could manage. As she approached, she took in the sight of those who were still dancing, the spectators who were rapidly turning their attention away from the dance floor to where she walked. Her sniff of disdain told all within reach of the contempt she held for them.
“Come, Anne,” said the lady in imperious tones. “We shall depart. I have pressing business in London. We will return at a later time when my nephews are more reasonable.”
Miss de Bourgh rose at her mother’s command. But rather than follow her immediately, she shot a look at Elizabeth and addressed her mother.
“Mother, I think you might be interested in an introduction to this young lady. She is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, whom I believe we came to see.”
“So this is the little baggage who has attempted to steal my nephews’ attention away from where it rightfully belongs.” Lady Catherine’s eyes raked Elizabeth’s form from head to toe. “I wonder at your taste, for she does not appear impressive at all.”
“No, your ladyship,” said a new voice, and they all turned in astonishment to see Louisa Hurst glaring at Lady Catherine. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the woman who approached your daughter and saw to her comfort, all the while knowing she would be castigated when her identity was revealed. You will not accost anyone else in this house.”
“I will do as I please,” snapped Lady Catherine. “I require a room and privacy to speak with Miss Bennet. You will oblige me.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw her father approaching, no doubt to deny the lady’s request. He need not have bothered, for it appeared the lady’s nephews’ patience was exhausted.
“No, Aunt,” said Lord Chesterfield. “It is time for you to leave.” When she opened her mouth to speak, he stepped forward and looked down at her, his manner relentless. “ Now , Lady Catherine.”
“This is not over, Fitzwilliam,” hissed the lady. “I am not to be cast aside with so little consideration.”
Then she turned on her heel and stalked from the room, Mr. Collins and Miss de Bourgh scurrying after her. His lordship and Mr. Darcy followed behind, intent upon seeing that she was gone. The music continued and those on the dance floor continued in the patterns, but Elizabeth could hear none of it. She could never have imagined such incivility as the lady possessed. How was such a thing to be imagined?
“Elizabeth, I hope you have not been unduly distressed.”
Turning, Elizabeth noted the concerned countenance of Louisa Hurst and endeavored to reply in an unaffected manner.
“No, I am well. Thank you, Louisa, but I hope that I am made of sturdier stuff than to be offended by Lady Catherine’s ill humors.”
“It is I who should thank you,” replied Louisa. “I should have seen to the comfort of Miss de Bourgh.”
“But it fell to you to receive the first lashings of the storm that is Lady Catherine,” replied Elizabeth. “It is not a wonder you should be out of sorts when confronted by such a woman. I was happy to help.”
The two women laughed together. “I thank you nonetheless,” said Louisa. “Come, let us forget about such an objectionable presence.”
Elizabeth agreed, and she turned back to the ball, standing beside Louisa for some time. But how was such a display to be forgotten? Indeed, Elizabeth thought it would be many days before she could successfully put it in perspective.